The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, has appointed renowned writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie as a visiting professor of the institution.
In the same development, the VC also appointed African Development Bank executive, Prof. Kevin Urama, and University of Chicago professor, Prof. James Robinson, as visiting professors of the university.
The appointments were disclosed in a statement issued in Nsukka on Wednesday and signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer of UNN, Mr. Inya Egwu. According to the statement, the appointments, dated December 18 and signed by the vice-chancellor, form part of Prof. Ortuanya’s efforts to reposition the university on the global academic stage.
Egwu explained that the letters of appointment clearly outlined the responsibilities and expectations of the visiting professors, which include teaching engagements, research collaboration, mentorship and strategic academic interactions.
He noted that Adichie, described as one of the world’s most influential literary voices, was appointed in recognition of her remarkable contributions to literature, creative writing and global intellectual discourse.
”Her visiting professorship will enrich the arts and humanities through lectures, scholarly engagements, and mentorship of students and young academics.
“Prof. Urama, a renowned development economist and senior official at the African Development Bank, is appointed in view of his extensive expertise in development economics, climate policy, and evidence-based policymaking.
”His engagement is expected to strengthen teaching, research, and policy-oriented programmes, particularly in economics, development studies, and related disciplines.
“While Prof. James Robinson, a Political Economist at the University of Chicago, whose work on institutions, governance, and economic development has earned global recognition,” he said.
The statement added that the visiting professors are expected to deepen academic collaboration, advance research activities and expose students and lecturers to cutting-edge global scholarship in political economy and development studies.
Egwu further stated that the appointments align with the vice-chancellor’s commitment to attracting eminent global scholars and industry leaders to the university, in line with the original vision of its founding fathers.
“UNN was founded to be a globally competitive institution; the latest appointments represent a significant step towards reclaiming that legacy and enhancing its global relevance,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adichie is an alumna of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she studied medicine for about a year and a half before relocating to the United States to continue her education.
What you should know
The appointment of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and other globally recognised scholars as visiting professors reflects UNN’s renewed push to strengthen its international academic standing.
By engaging experts in literature, development economics and political economy, the university aims to boost research quality, mentorship and global collaboration.
Adichie’s return to her alma mater also carries symbolic value, highlighting UNN’s connection to one of Africa’s most celebrated literary figures.
